Hvar: Private Sailing Boat Trip with Swimming and Snorkeling

The best part of this Hvar boat trip is its small scale. You sail with only your own group, up to six people, among the Pakleni Islands, stopping at clear-water coves that are far more inviting from a boat than from a crowded town beach. I like the freedom to swim, snorkel, or simply stretch out under the canopy, and I like that skipper Jura keeps the mood friendly and easygoing.

The restored boat has useful comforts, including an onboard toilet, icebox, USB port, Bluetooth speaker, and sun cushions. The main consideration is the price: $471 per group is good value for six people, but much less attractive for one or two. Your exact stops also depend on the tour length and wind, so the day is flexible rather than fixed.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boat for up to six: You share the sailing boat only with your own group, which makes the outing relaxed and personal.
• Mlini is usually the first stop: Expect time for swimming, snorkeling, and views before moving on to other Pakleni Island coves.
• Jura is the regular skipper: He speaks English and Croatian, and the experience is informal, friendly, and suitable for first-time sailors.
• Stops change with time and wind: Longer trips can include Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce, while shorter outings visit fewer places.
• Bring towels and your own refreshments: Towels are not included, but you can use the icebox and bring food or drinks aboard.
• The group price works best for six: At $471 total, a full group pays about $79 per person before any optional lunch expense.

Sailing out from Riva 27 in Hvar

The boat leaves from Riva 27, putting you on the water quickly instead of spending much of your tour in a transfer vehicle. From the start, the point is not speed. It is the quiet rhythm of moving under sail, watching Hvar recede, and seeing the Pakleni Islands draw closer across the water.

This is a good choice if you want a private outing but do not need a large motorboat or a party atmosphere. The boat carries up to six passengers, so a family, a group of friends, or two couples can use the space without strangers sharing the day.

The skipper is Jura, also called Jurica in some tour details. You can expect him to handle the sailing while answering questions and adjusting the route to the conditions. Several outings were praised for starting on time, clear communication before the trip, and a casual but professional manner. That combination matters on a small boat, where the skipper shapes the whole experience.

If this is your first time sailing, you do not need to arrive as a sailor. The trip is built around sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing, with sailing between stops. You get the feel of being under sail without signing up for a technical sailing lesson.

Mlini beach is the usual first stop

The first stop is usually Mlini beach, one of the most appealing parts of the route. Here, you can get into the water, use one of the provided snorkeling masks, and take in the setting before the day becomes more active.

The water around Hvar is famous for its clarity, and snorkeling gives you a reason to look below the surface rather than simply admire the color. Do not expect a full guided marine-life program. This is casual snorkeling, with equipment supplied for basic exploration around the boat and shore.

Mlini also works well as a first pause because you can settle into the pace of the trip. You might swim, sit on the beach, or remain aboard beneath the sun canopy. If you prefer sun, the cushions on the sun deck provide a place to stretch out, though you should still bring sun protection.

The stop can feel especially peaceful when the boat reaches a quieter cove. At the same time, conditions and crowd levels are not guaranteed. The skipper chooses the route according to wind and the length of your booking, so a particular beach may not feel the same on every departure.

The Pakleni Islands by sail, not by road

The Pakleni Islands are a chain of small islands and coves just off Hvar. A boat is the natural way to see them, since the best views come from the water and many swimming spots are reached most easily by sea.

Between stops, the sailing itself becomes part of the tour. You pass rocky shores, small bays, and bright water while the skipper works with the wind. Some days have more wind than others. One outing still included sailing even when the breeze was light, but you should understand that this is not a high-speed sailing adventure.

That slower pace is a plus if you want a calm day. You can listen to your own music through the Bluetooth speaker, keep drinks cold in the icebox, and enjoy the view without a fixed commentary schedule. The USB port is useful for keeping a phone charged, particularly if you plan to take photographs throughout the day.

Wi-Fi is listed among the included features, though the supplied information does not explain its range or reliability. Treat it as a useful extra rather than the main reason to book. The strongest connection here is with the water, the wind, and the islands around you.

Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce

The exact route can include several scenic locations, including Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce. A shorter two-hour booking cannot offer the same number of stops as a full-day outing, so check the available duration before you decide what kind of day you want.

Perna and the other named locations are valuable mainly as places to pause. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, take photographs, or relax onshore if the stop allows. The appeal is the variety: one cove may be best for a swim, another for a quiet view, and another for food.

Palmizana is also associated with island restaurants, making it one possible lunch stop. Lunch is not included in the tour price, and choosing a restaurant adds cost and time. I would treat it as an optional change of pace, not a required part of the booking. If you want the maximum amount of water time, you may prefer to bring your own food and use the icebox.

Jerolim and Tarsce add more route options, but the boat does not promise a set sequence. Wind conditions can affect where the skipper goes and how long the boat remains under sail. This flexibility is useful when conditions change, though it may disappoint you if you book with one exact beach in mind.

Swimming, snorkeling, and time to do very little

The swimming stops are the heart of the experience. The sea is clear, the boat can take you close to attractive coves, and you do not have to rush through a long list of sights. You can jump from the boat, swim around it, and return to the deck when you are ready.

Snorkeling masks are included, which saves you from packing or renting basic gear. The supplied equipment is suited to casual use. If snorkeling is your main goal, bring your own mask if you need a particular fit, but the included masks are helpful for most people who simply want to look below the surface.

The boat’s canopy matters during a longer day. Croatia’s summer sun can wear you down, and having a shaded area means you can alternate between swimming, sunbathing, and sitting out of direct heat. There are also cushions on the sun deck for those who want to relax between stops.

Towels are not included. Pack one for every person, along with swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cover-up. A dry bag or other secure pouch is sensible for phones and small valuables, though no special storage arrangement is stated.

A boat made for comfort, not luxury

The boat was last restored in 2023, and that is reflected in the practical equipment provided. You get the basics that make a day on the water easier: snorkeling masks, an icebox, a Bluetooth speaker, a USB port, Wi-Fi, sun cushions, a canopy, and an onboard toilet.

Do not confuse this with a luxury yacht charter. The appeal is a tidy, personal sailing boat with room for six, not a staffed vessel with elaborate meals or hotel-style service. That distinction helps you judge the price fairly.

The onboard toilet is particularly useful on a full-day trip. You can still use facilities on land during a restaurant stop, but having a toilet aboard reduces the need to plan every pause around a shore visit.

You should bring your own drinks and snacks if you want them. The icebox lets you keep them cold, and one booking specifically noted that the boat had a bottle opener and wine glasses. Those small details make it easy to bring a bottle for a special occasion, although you remain responsible for supplying the food and drink.

How the price works for different group sizes

The cost is $471 per private group of up to six people. With six passengers, that works out to roughly $79 each, which is a reasonable rate for a private boat, skipper, swimming stops, and several hours around the Pakleni Islands.

For four people, the cost is about $118 per person. For two, it is about $236 each, so the value drops quickly as the group gets smaller. If you are traveling as a couple, compare this with a shared boat trip before booking. The privacy and flexibility may still be worth it, but the arithmetic is very different.

Duration ranges from two to eight hours. A two-hour trip makes sense if you want a quick taste of sailing and one swim stop. A half-day outing gives you time for two or more coves without turning the day into a major commitment. The full eight-hour option is best for a group that wants a relaxed day with several stops and possibly lunch ashore.

The booking also allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful when your Croatian itinerary depends on weather or ferry plans, though the route itself remains subject to wind conditions.

Who will enjoy this Hvar sailing trip most

I would recommend this outing to families, close friends, and couples who want their own space on the water. The group limit of six is small enough for easy conversation, and the boat works well for a birthday, a family day, or a first sailing experience.

It also suits people who prefer swimming coves to a packed sightseeing schedule. You are not spending the day collecting formal landmarks. You are moving among islands, stopping for clear water, and choosing how active or lazy to be.

The trip may be less suitable if you need a guaranteed itinerary, a formal history tour, or extensive snorkeling instruction. You will hear about the islands and their history if you ask, but the main focus is sailing and swimming.

It is also worth considering the weather. The skipper can adjust the route, but wind affects the sailing and the number of stops. If your schedule allows, place this activity early enough in your Hvar stay that you have some flexibility to move it if conditions change.

My practical verdict on the experience

I like this tour because it gives you a real sense of the Pakleni Islands without putting you on a large shared boat. The best parts are simple: a friendly skipper, a well-equipped small boat, clean swimming water, and enough flexibility to match the day to your group.

The strongest praise centers on Jura, the relaxed atmosphere, the beautiful swimming locations, and the boat’s comfort. People also appreciated the skipper’s flexibility, including finding quieter coves, explaining the islands, and helping with small matters such as returning a forgotten item.

The drawbacks are equally clear. You must bring towels, lunch is extra, the route is not fixed, and the full price is easiest to justify with six people. If you expect a luxury charter or a guaranteed list of beaches, this may not be the right fit.

Should you book it?

Book this Hvar private sailing trip if you have four to six people, want swimming and snorkeling more than nonstop sightseeing, and like the idea of letting the wind shape the route. Choose the half-day or full-day option if you want several coves and time to relax.

For a couple or a very short stay, compare the per-person price with other boat options. But if privacy, a calm pace, and a personal skipper matter to you, this is a strong way to spend time around the Pakleni Islands.

FAQ

Where does the sailing trip start and finish?

The tour starts and returns at Riva 27 in Hvar.

How many people can join the private boat trip?

The boat can carry a private group of up to six passengers.

How long does the activity last?

Available durations range from two to eight hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Which islands and beaches might the trip visit?

Stops can include Mlini, Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce. The number and location of stops depend on the length of your booking and the wind conditions.

Is swimming included?

Yes. Swimming is a central part of the trip, with stops at scenic bays and beaches around the Pakleni Islands.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are included.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. You can choose to stop for local food at an island restaurant, but lunch is not included.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks English and Croatian.